The Buffalo Bills released linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo as part of a series of roster moves Tuesday ahead of Week 10.
Ciarlo, a 2024 undrafted free agent out of Army, signed with the Bills in August after missing his entire rookie season with a knee injury. He made his NFL debut in a Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots, logging 13 special teams snaps in a 23-20 loss.
The 24-year-old Ciarlo became a fan favorite during his appearance on HBOâs âHard Knocks: Training Camp with the Buffalo Bills.â
The Bills also released wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson and elevated defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis from the practice squad to the active roster. Mathis, a 2022 second-round pick, will take the place of defensive end Michael Hoecht, who was placed on injured reserve earlier this week with an Achilles issue.
The Bills (6-2) visit the Miami Dolphins on Sunday (1 p.m. ET).
Fan Favorite Starred in the Preseason
Ciarlo was productive during the preseason, totaling 11 tackles and one fumble recovery in three games. He was released in late August as part of final cuts but returned the next day as part of the practice squad.
The Bills brought him back one more on Oct. 16 before the Week 7 bye.
Despite garnering attention for his TV appearance, Ciarlo has yet to carve out a consistent role on gamedays. After signing with the New York Jets last offseason as an undrafted free agent, he tore his ACL in his preseason debut and was waived/injured shortly later. He spent the entire season on IR and was released by the Jets in May.
Defensive Tackle Returns to Active Roster
The 6-foot-4, 317-pound Mathis initially signed with Buffaloâs practice squad on Sept. 10. He was elevated twice to the 53-man roster, including in Week 9 against the Kansas City Chiefs when he recorded two tackles.
In 25 appearances over four seasons, Mathis has 28 tackles (12 solo), two tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery. He was with the Washington Commanders for three years before being claimed off waivers by the Jets in December. He was waived in August as New York trimmed down its roster.
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